Walmart is now in the business of selling caskets giving new meaning to the term "box store". They are only available on-line for U.S. customers. They probably haven't put them in stores because they can't figure out what department to put them in. Outdoor living? Gardening? Bedding?
Their line offers caskets from $895US for the steel "Lady de Guadalupe" to $2,899US for the "Sienna Bronze". Other models include "American Patriot" and "Supreme Distinction".
It's easy to make light of this, but Walmart is serious and offers a well-priced range of products considering that most funeral home caskets range from $2000 to $10,000.
Orders received before 12 p.m. local time will be shipped within 24 hours for delivery by 5 p.m. the second business day following the order. Unfortunately, at this time their delivery areas are limited. It's no surprise that Alaska and Hawaii are not in their shipping areas but more of a surprise that they can't be shipped to areas such as Texas, Utah, Washington State and Washington D.C. A complete list of delivery areas by postal codes is given on their website.
The other consideration is where the casket will be delivered. If it is to your home, it must be understood that this is curb side delivery only and it will not be moved into your home or garage. It is important that someone be available to accept delivery at the scheduled time. Assuming caskets are heavy, it might require a few people to move it off the front lawn which you'd probably want to do post haste.
The item is shipped via a freight service and the company does call ahead of time to arrange a time of delivery.
Of course it is a different story if the casket is going directly to a funeral home.
This next item can't help but bring a few chuckles: Due to regulations Walmart cannot accept the return of any caskets with the exception of those damaged in delivery. That has to be a relief as no one wants to receive a slightly used casket.
The high price of funerals has forced many people to look at ways to cut costs and not corners. While it may add some additional stress to an already stressful time, Walmart appears to be making every effort to ensure that all goes smoothly with the purchase and delivery.
